What if you could spend 20-30 minutes of time to build a list that would reduce the stress of homebuying.  No matter what gets discovered in the inspection process, this tool helps you feel confident you’ll have a plan.  You will know who to call for advice, estimates, or second opinions.  You’ll also be able to keep this list as a resource in the future when you have needs arise.  This could be one of the most important documents you create in your home buying process.  This important document is your List of Advisors.

What is a List of Advisors?

The list of advisors is a collection of names of companies and their contact information that helps home buyers have a single document to go to when they have home needs they need to address.

Why do you need a List of Advisors?

The List of Advisors helps to provide home owners with confidence and gives them a plan for whatever arises in their buying process or homeownership process.  If something comes up on a walk-through, you have a guy for that.  Issues arise in an inspection, you already have an advisor identified for that.  Finally, the List of Advisors serves as a boundary for where you’ll get information whenever needed.  If you start getting  opinions from outside of that network (i.e. Google, YouTube, your crazy uncle, or that guy at work) it helps keep you rooted in your plan–because when you fill this out, you have a plan.

When do you need your List of Advisors?

The optimal time for building your List of Advisors is before a you start looking at properties.  It provides the buyer and their agent an opportunity to understand what connections are available and who you’ll invite influence the purchase process.  If there’s a respected individual that is on the list it is important to know that from the start. Invite them to attend several showings in the process so the advisor understands the context of the home conditions in your price point.

How do you create your List of Advisors?

Now that you understand the reason for the List of Advisors,  go through each category and identify who you have as a contact for each need. If the buyer doesn’t have a contact ask the agent if they have a recommendation.
When you get to “Other Advisors,” specifically consider if there are family members you’d like to include on the list.  If so, be sure to have them come go on some of the showings with you so they can understand property conditions at this price point.

Download the Tool

If you’d like to see our List of Advisors Guide download the pdf at the link below.  The second link is just the worksheet without any of the explanation.  Homebuyers, feel free to use this great tool for your next purchase process.  Agents, feel free to use this tool with your clients to help them prepare for their process.

• List of Advisors – Full Guide
• List of Advisors – Worksheet Only